Columbia Public School students battle heat on first day of school
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
On Tuesday, students in the Columbia Public Schools District went back to school and began the 2023-2024 school year.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team issued a weather alert day that extended through Thursday for extreme temperatures that were expected in the area. Chief Communications Officer Michelle Baumstark said the district took pre-cautions to keep students safe in the heat.
Baumstark recommended that you send your students with a water bottle to keep them hydrated, as well as dress them in light clothing. She also said the district has a plan in place to address outdoor activities such as recess and gym. This includes moving the two indoors when temperatures are deemed unsafe.
ABC 17 News spoke with Brian Yearwood ahead of the school year about what should be expected.
Yearwood noted that the district has enough bus drivers, but that he expects some lines will have to be consolidated. Due to the extreme temperatures, Baumstark said the district is also taking pre-cautions for the heat on buses.
She noted that all drivers have been educated on heat-related issues, and that water will be available on the buses if necessary. Yearwood also said that all classrooms throughout the district will have a teacher, and substitutes are available as well.
